Southern California -- this just in

Heat wave, high winds in L.A. area prompt warnings about fire danger

November 2, 2010 | 6:20
am

A wind advisory has been issued for several Southern California valley and canyon areas as Santa Ana winds and high temperatures return to the region over the next few days.

The National Weather Service said the winds and warm conditions increase the risk of brush fires. Wind gusts could top 35 mph in the Santa Clarita Valley, parts of the Antelope Valley as well as the San Fernando Valley.

Forecasters also predicted a heat wave through Thursday, with temperatures 10 to 20 degrees above normal.

The heat, caused by a high pressure system, will be most pronounced in inland valley areas, according to the weather service. [Updated: An earlier version of this story incorrectly describe it as a low-pressure system.]

"Anyone working outdoors through Thursday should take the necessary precautions to prevent heat-related stress and illness," the weather service said in an advisory.

Here are temperature forecasts:

Coastal areas: 80 TO 90.

Inland Orange County: 86 TO 96.

Coastal valleys: 92 TO 99.

Mountains below 6,000 feet: 88 TO 94.

Mountains above 6,000 feet: 70 TO 80.

Upper deserts: 80 TO 88.

Lower deserts: 91 TO 96.

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Bryan Cummings does his morning workout on a warm Tuesday morning on the beach in Santa Monica, where high temperatures are predicted. Credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times